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I N F O R M AT I O N S TAT I O N
Basic toy train
track plans
CLASSIC
Trackplans
Pop’s layout
by Anthony DiLapi
An action-packed layout
based on a 1949 Lionel classic
Direction of Train
Direction of Train
Approximate size - 100" x 160"
(Cross over optional)
TOP: In 1949, Lionel Corp. published this illustration in the Train Layout
Planning Book for Pop and in the Track Layouts book. ABOVE: As tempted as
Pop might have been by the splendid illustration, he would have had to
wait until 1950, when this diagram revealing the arrangement of tunnel
trackage was printed in the Bantam paperback Model Railroading.
H
moderately
sized O gauge layout
that provides an
ideal setting for train and
accessory operation.
The layout is based on a
track plan that originally
appeared as an artist’s sketch
in Lionel’s Train Layout Planning Book for Pop and in
Lionel’s Track Layouts book,
both published in 1949. The
artist’s sketch (shown above)
is fascinating and frustrating,
since it shows several tracks
that disappear into tunnel
portals. The tunnels serve to
obscure the routes.
Fortunately, when Lionel
produced the 1950 Bantam
paperback Model Railroading,
the company reused the
illustration, only this time,
Lionel printed a track plan
ERE IS A
(at left) that finally revealed
the arrangement of the hidden trackage. The plan also
gave an approximate layout
size of 100 by 160 inches.
As the track schematic
shows, the “train layout for
Pop” is basically a doubletracked oval. The inner oval
connects to a figure-8 track
arrangement that serves as
reversing loops. Switches are
provided to allow trains to
cross between the inner and
outer main lines.
This track plan from the
glory years of the Lionel
Corp. inspired me to create
my own version. I took the
liberty of slightly condensing
the Lionel plan to fit an 8 by
12-foot table.
I feel that this is about the
minimum size for this layout
Illustration by Terri Field
to still keep the flavor of the
original artist’s sketch. The
original plan calls for 10
switches, with an optional
left-hand crossover shown
between the outer and inner
tracks. I think the optional
crossover is very desirable,
since it prevents a train traveling counter-clockwise on
the outer track from having
to back up to move onto the
inner track.
My design calls for 12
switches, and the use of O-42
curved track on the outside
oval. I also added a fourtrack yard on the right side
of the layout. The yard connects to one of the diagonal
tracks of the inner figure-8.
The eight-foot width of
this layout requires some
means of access to the center
of the layout, and this could
be provided by making the
waterway removable.
The layout shown above
requires a room width of
about 12 feet. With a bit of
minor track rearrangement,
this layout can be narrowed
by about a foot.
The track concealed by
the hilly terrain adds a great
deal of operating interest to
this layout, since trains can
stop and pause inside one of
the tunnels before proceeding on their way.
I feel that toy trains are
meant to be operated. I
think that this track plan
shows that you can enjoy varied and interesting toy train
running, even if you don’t
have room for a 20 by 40foot layout. T
Suggested accessories
Layout track list
(3) no. 157 Station Platforms
(2) no. 316/317 Trestle Bridges
(1) no. 313 Bascule Bridge
(2) no. 314 Plate Girder Bridges
(1) no. 445 Switch Tower
(1) no. 3656 Stock Yard
(1) no. 3462 Milk Car Platform
(1) no. 455 Oil Derrick
(2) no. 450 Signal Bridges
(2) no. 153 Block Signals
(2) no. 151 Semaphore Signals
(2) no. 395 Floodlight Towers
(1) no. 282 Gantry Crane
(1) no. 394 Rotary Beacon
(1) no. 96/97 Coal Elevator
(1) no. 164 Log Loader
(1) no. 133 Passenger Station
(2) no. 152 Crossing Gates
(2) no. 154 Highway Crossings
(1) no. 256 Freight Station
(1) no. 395 Floodlight Tower
(48) straights
(13) O-42 curves
(3) 40-inch straights
(3) 022 right-hand turnouts
(8) 022 left-hand turnouts
(19) O-31 curves
(13) uncoupling tracks
(28) custom cut straights
(1) 90-degree crossing
(1) 45-degree crossing
(7) half straights
(5) no. 260 track bumpers
(1) cut to size track section
(1) O-72 right-hand turnout
(2) O-42 cut curves
(2) O-54 curves
CLASSIC
Trackplans
From the Nifty ‘50s:
A small
two-train layout
by Anthony DiLapi
I
to run two trains at the
same time, a simple solution is to
build two separate loops. But suppose you want the loops interconnected by turnouts so you can easily
switch trains between the loops. Now
suppose you only have space for a 4 by
8-foot layout. Relax, there is a way.
A layout of this type, designed to fit
on a 4 by 8 platform and suitable for
operating two trains using Lionel O
gauge track, was first shown in Lionel’s
1953 instruction manual. (Instruction
manuals were booklets routinely
included in train sets. In addition to
instructions on setting up and operating trains and accessories, valuable
information, such as track plans, was
also included.)
F YOU WANT
A good basic plan
The 4 by 8 layout was shown in the
instruction manuals for several years.
However, in the 1953 and 1954 manuals, the track plan was shown without
accessories or scenery.
Starting with the 1955 instruction
manual, several Lionel accessories,
along with simple scenery, were added
to the track plan. This layout was shown
in Lionel catalogs for several years,
starting in 1958. In that catalog, it was
shown using O-27 gauge track with an
additional switch leading to a siding.
(Although O-27 gauge track was shown,
the text indicated the layout could be
built with O gauge track as well and fit
on a 4 by 8 board.)
Lionel stated that the compact layout was suitable for operating as many
as three trains. Imagine having this layout and being able to have trains switch
between the loops, all on a 4 by 8 platform! But at first glance it appears this
layout is only suitable for
two-train operation, with
one train in each loop.
In order to operate
three trains, block D in
the connecting track must
hold a train while two
other trains run on the
inner and outer loops.
Block B in the inner loop
must hold a train while
the train from block D
enters the inner track
loop.
Once the train from block D clears
switch T3, the train in block B proceeds
through switch T2, takes the straight
leg of switch T3 and continues through
switch T4 into outer loop C.
While this occurs, the original train
in outer loop C has gone into block D
using switch T1 and stops short of
switch T2. Of course all three trains
would have to be going in the same
direction and be of short length. The
length of block D determines the maximum train length.
If you just want to operate two trains
at the same time, this layout could
accommodate longer trains. But how
do two trains operate and easily transfer between the two loops?
First, both trains must operate in the
same direction. When you
want to switch trains from
one loop to the other
loop, operation will be as
follows: The train in outer
loop C (train 1) takes the
curved leg of switch T1
into block D and stops at
dwarf signal D. The rear
of train 1 is now blocking
part of loop C. Then, the
train in inner loop A
(train 2) takes the straight
leg of switch T3, goes
through switch T4 and stops at block
signal C. The rear of train 2 should be
clear of switch T3. Then train 1, which
was stopped at dwarf signal D, proceeds
into loop A.
Once the rear of train 1 clears
turnout T1, train 2 proceeds along loop
C. Operation in a clockwise direction
Don’t let lack of
space for a large
layout prevent
you from having
a layout at all.
Dwarf Signal D
Fiber pins
T3
T2
Block B
T4
Block D
Lockon D
Lockon A
Loop C
Loop A
Lockon B
Lockon C
T1
Block signal C
will be similar.
Dwarf signal D should be wired
directly to switch T2, giving a green
indication when the switch is set for the
straight leg and a red indication when
the switch is set for the curved leg. Similarly, block signal C can be wired to
switch T1.
Modified for the real world
As good as the track plan is, I have
taken the original Lionel 4 by 8 layout
and maintained its concept while modifying the track plan to increase the
edge distance and parallel track spacing. I included a fairly good representation of postwar Lionel accessories to fit
the mood of the railroad.
If you use Lionel O gauge track and
follow the track plan exactly as shown
in the Lionel instruction manual, the
outside loop track would be perilously
close to the edge of the layout.
Imagine a derailment on an elevated
layout and your beloved train crashing
to the floor below. If this layout was on
a sheet of plywood at ground level, this
wouldn’t be a problem.
Horizontal clearance is also a consideration. With both O-27 and O gauge
track, the parallel tracks of the inner
and outer loops are not separated
enough to keep engines or cars from
sideswiping each other.
How much clearance do you need
between the track and the edge of a
layout? When you are planning and
drawing a layout you are using the center line of track. Therefore, let’s use the
term “edge distance” to denote the distance between the center line of track
and the edge of the layout platform.
Experience has shown me that the
minimum edge distance should be four
inches, but six-inches or more edge distance is ideal.
The original Lionel layout using
Lionel O track had an edge distance of
slightly less than two inches along the 8foot sides of the platform.
What should be the minimum distance between parallel straight track
centers?
I recommend using four inches for
both O-27 and O gauge track. Larger
Lionel O gauge postwar locomotives
and passenger cars require the larger
parallel track centers to avoid sideswiping at the entrance and exit of curved
sections.
Don’t let lack of space for a large layout prevent you from having a layout at
all. Use of accessories and the ability to
switch trains between loops will provide
action and interesting operation on this
Lionel layout from the 1950s. T
Illustration by Terri Field
Track needed for the O gauge version
(2) O-31 lefthand switches
(18) O-31 curved sections
(12) O gauge straight sections
(2) O-31 righthand switches
(11) Cut-to-fit O gauge sections
(3) O gauge half-straight sections
(2) O gauge uncoupling sections
Accessories needed for the O gauge layout
(1) No. 256 freight station
(1) No. 3656 stock yard
(1) No. 3462 milk car platform
(1) No. 397 coal loader
(1) No. 445 railroad switch tower
(1) Lionel ZW transformer
(1) No. 395 floodlight tower
(1) No. 494 rotary beacon
(1) No. 193 industrial water tower
(4) O22C switch controllers
(2) No. 6019 RCS controllers
(4) No. 364C controllers
(2) No. 154 highway crossings
(6) No. 71 telegraph poles
(1) No. 70 yard light
(3) No. 310 billboards
(1) No. 153 block signal
(1) No. 455 oil derrick
(2) No. 252 crossing gates
(2) No. 152 crossing gates
(1) No. 450 signal bridge
(1) No. 148 dwarf block signal
Two-sheet layout
A new angle on a postwar design
by Anthony DiLapi | illustrations by Kellie Jaeger
Inclined
track on
trestles
I
’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTRIGUED by an L-shaped Lionel
layout with plenty of operational features. In the
1956 Lionel instruction manual “How to Operate
Lionel Trains and Accessories,” one particular design
has kept my attention over the years.
One of four L-shaped layouts shown on page 51 of
the manual uses two 4 by 8 plywood sheets and
Lionel’s no. 110 Trestle Set to create grades for an
overpass. This plan allows three-train operation on
three loops, all of which are connected by turnouts.
This track plan, which also was published in the
fifth edition of Bantam’s handbook Model Railroading, inspired me in the 1960s to build a layout using a
slightly modified configuration. My layout and its
modification – moving the two switches on the right
side to give me added height for the trestles – satisfied me for 15 years, but that old layout is long gone.
As you can see, I remained fascinated enough by
that original plan to go back to the drawing board.
While again tinkering with two switch locations to
increase track height, this time I created a second
reverse loop and designed a modified bent L-shaped
plywood platform that has a more pleasing shape.
My second reverse loop is located where the 90degree corner of the “L” would have been. Because
of the odd angle of the loop, I found it necessary to
angle the left side of the layout platform 22.5 degrees
outward, making the “L” less sharp.
To build the platform, cut one sheet of plywood
as shown in the diagram. Take the corner piece you
just cut, flip it over, and attach it to the newly cut
sheet as illustrated. The other uncut 4 by 8 plywood
sheet should fit neatly.
Rather than keeping the bridge and trestle
appearance of the original Lionel plan, I designed
my track plan to include an irregularly shaped upper
platform, which creates tunnels for the lower-level
trains to enter and exit.
My plan’s outer loop uses O-42 and O-54 curves
and an O-72 turnout to better handle longer locomotives and cars. I’ve also included half sections of
O gauge curved track, which may have to be cut from
full-sized pieces to create the proper fit, rather than
using Lionel’s normal half sections. To complete the
new layout, I added spur tracks and Lionel postwar
accessories. T
ACCESSORY LIST
No. 93 water tower
No. 96/97 coal elevator
No. 132 passenger station
No. 138 water tower
No. 151 semaphore signal (2)
No. 152 crossing gate (2)
No. 153 block signal
No. 157 station platform (3)
No. 182 magnet crane
No. 193 industrial water tower
No. 257 freight station
No. 310 billboard (2)
No. 352 ice depot
No. 364 lumber loader
No. 394 rotary beacon
No. 395 floodlight tower
No. 445 switch tower
No. 452 gantry signal
No. 455 oil derrick
No. 3462 milk car platform
No. 3656 stockyard
Plasticville no. 1303 log cabin
Plasticville no. 1500 diner
Plasticville no. 1502 Cape Cod house
Plasticville no. 1800 large gas station
Plasticville no. 1801 bank
Inclined track on trestles
Turnouts 1 & 2
Scale 3/8" = 12"
Original layout plan
Scrap of
plywood for
upper level
support
19 7/8"
Cut here
Angle
Cut piece of plywood
from sheet #1 (piece A),
flipped over
4' x 8' plywood sheet #1
piece A
4' x 8' plywood sheet #1
Angle = 22.5˚
4' x 8' plywood
sheet #2
Scrap piece of plywood
Scale 1/4" = 12"
Plywood cutting plan
High speed
in 6 by12 feet
Two connected ovals with wider curves
by Anthony DiLapi | illustrations by Kellie Jaeger
L
ike many of you, I
want to operate postwar
Lionel O gauge trains and some of
the larger new locomotives, but I don’t
have room for a layout using O-72
curved track. So instead of accepting
defeat by using only O-31 curves, I took
advantage of Lionel O-42 and O-54
curves to design a 6- by 12-foot railroad
that lets me run the best of yesterday
and many of today’s larger locomotives.
Two ovals
My goal was a double-track main line
with high-speed crossovers, a passing siding, reversing loops, and some yard
tracks. I used O-42 curves on the inner
oval and O-54 sections on the outer one.
The inner oval has two reversing
loops, a passing siding, and several yard
tracks. The switches on this inner loop
of the layout are good old O-22 switches
with a curved leg that matches O-31
curved track.
Back-to-back O-72 switches serve as
crossovers connecting the two ovals.
You’ll note on the track plan that I
needed to move the O-72 switch motors
to the outside of the straight leg of the
switches (the mechanisms are designed
to be moved to either side of the switch).
When used as crossovers, O-72 switches
create a center-to-center track spacing of
51⁄2 inches, which is
really too narrow for the
switch motors.
To solve this problem, I located the
centerline of the outer oval 4 inches
from the back edge of the tabletop and
allowed two of the switch motors to hang
2 inches beyond the edge of the layout.
I felt this was an acceptable compromise
to keep my center-to-center track spacing at 51⁄2 inches.
Accessories and power
I incorporated as many Lionel postwar accessories as possible on my compact layout. Lionel and MTH have reissued several of these items. I also added
lampposts, floodlight towers, block signals, semaphores, station platforms,
crossing gates, and a billboard. A few
Plasticville structures, a waterway, and a
hill with two-track tunnel portals completed the railroad.
The Lionel no. 313 bascule bridge
deserves a larger waterway to cross than
I created. It looks all right, although you
could substitute no. 314 girder bridges. I
scratchbuilt the dual-track bridge in
front of one of the tunnel portals
because no commercial item would fit.
A Lionel no. 282 portal gantry crane
straddles one of the yard tracks. You can
also use a no. 182 magnet crane – just
install it between the two yard tracks.
Similarly, a Lionel no. 256 or 257
freight station can be used instead of the
356 operating freight station that’s
shown. And no. 156 station platforms
look as nice as my 157 platforms.
You’ll do well with a Lionel ZW, an
MTH Z-4000, or the new MRC Dual
Pure Power transformer to operate this
layout, especially if you favor conventional-control postwar trains. Each loop
can then be assigned its own throttle
handle. A second transformer would be
a smart choice to provide power for
accessories and lights. T
O GAUGE TRACK SECTIONS
Curved
O-31 (3)
O-42 (12)
O-54 (10)
O-72 (2)
Straight
10-inch (30)
51⁄2-inch (2)
41⁄2-inch (24 – cut to various sizes)
Special
45-degree crossing (1)
90-degree crossing (1)
260 bumper (2)
O-31 left-hand switch (4)
O-31 right-hand switch (5)
O-72 left-hand switch (2)
O-72 right-hand switch (2)
UCS uncoupling (10)
POSTWAR LIONEL ACCESSORIES OR MODERN EQUIVALENTS
30 water tower
70 yard light (4)
71 lamppost (4)
97 coal elevator
151 semaphore (2)
152 automatic crossing gate (2)
153 automatic block signal (3)
157 station platform (4)
164 operating log loader
282 portal gantry crane
310 billboard
313 bascule bridge
352 ice depot
356 operating freight station
362 barrel loader
395 floodlight tower (2)
397 operating diesel-type coal loader
445 operating switch tower
450 operating signal bridge (2)
455 oil derrick
456 coal ramp
494 rotary beacon
3462P milk car platform (3)
Layout for a
room corner
A distorted figure-8 makes
efficient use of tight space
by Neil Besougloff | illustration by Kellie Jaeger
L
OCATION, LOCATION,
location – the
creed of real estate sales – applies
to train layouts, too. If the best
land deal you can make for your toy
trains is the corner of a room, then this
postwar-style track plan is for you.
The plan has a pair of reversing loops
and two routes – a triangle around the
perimeter of the layout and a figure-8
with a crossing at the center of the layout. If you study the plan closely, you’ll
see it is essentially a traditional figure-8
inside an oval but distorted in a way to fit
into a corner.
To better hug the room’s corner, the
plan uses O-31 curves, plus a 45-degree
crossing and seven switches, four on the
main line.
The heart of the layout measures less
than 6 feet along each wall, but the layout has an “outrigger” section that can
be lengthened or shortened as needed.
Depending on how much space you
have along the room’s “long” wall, this
additional section can be used as a yard,
locomotive maintenance facility, or a
home to any of the dozens of postwar
and modern freight loading and unloading accessories.
It’s a 5-foot reach from the front of
the layout to the room corner, so consider an access hatch (probably inside
the larger oval on the left) to avoid having to climb on the top of the layout.
The track plan also lends itself to a
temporary Christmas layout in the corner of your living room floor, with the
tree standing inside one of the loops and
a Department 56 village in the other
loop. T
This corner layout was originally published in the book Greenberg’s Layout
Plans for Lionel Trains, now out of print.
Double-reverse
track plan
Three distinct routes in a 6- by 8-foot space
by Neil Besougloff
A
on the football
field is crowd-pleaser. In this misdirection play, the ball moves to the
right, then the left, and then back to
the right. Similarly, the compact O
gauge track plan shown here keys on
misdirection.
Fitting comfortably on a 6- by 8-foot
platform or even in a corner of a room
on the carpet (Christmas?), this simple
yet clever track plan offers three plays.
First, it’s a straightforward figure-8.
A train that follows the outer perimeter
of the track, using the curved route at
switch A but the straight routes through
switches B, C, and D, can run continuously in a figure-8, clockwise or counterclockwise.
Second, by throwing switches B, C,
and D to their curved routes and A to
its straight route, the track plan becomes a double figure-8, utilizing a pair
of 90-degree crossings. This, too, works
both clockwise and counterclockwise.
If you then throw switch A to its
curved route, the track plan offers a
third play – the double reverse.
Switches A and C, and B and D, pair up
to create two reverse loops. Your train
will now go through the 90-degree
crossing closest to switch A in the opposite direction with each pass. If you use
non-derailing track switches, the switch
points will move back and forth automatically between curved and straight
routes, and your train will go through
the second 90-degree crossing in a different direction each time.
The plan calls for a modest amount
of track – O-31 curves, standard straight
sections, and four O-31 track switches.
When building it, you’ll need to trim
two of the straight sections (to the right
of switch C and below switch D) by a
few inches. Depending on how tightly
you squeeze together your track sections, you also may need to trim a
straight section to the left of each of
the two 90-degree crossings.
Although this plan is designed for
6'
DOUBLE REVERSE
(11)
(2)
(18)
(1)
(3)
(2)
single straight
custom-cut straight
0-31 curve
0-31 left-hand switch
0-31 right-hand switches
90-degree crossing
A
8'
D
cut
section
to fit
B
C
cut section to fit
tubular track, you can substitute other
track types, but you will need to experiment with short fitter sections in the
spots where you would ordinarily cut
tubular track.
Few track plans offer so much in
such little space. Even if you’re not
Illustration by Kellie Jaeger
starting a layout this fall, you can add
this plan to your playbook. T
This plan and dozens of others are in the
book Track Plans for Toy Trains, available from Kalmbach Publishing Co. at kalmbachbooks.com (search for Track Plans for
Toy Trains) or by calling 1-800-533-6644.
Look ma,
no switches
A spiraling 8 x 13 design with 45-degree crossovers
31/2" track pieces
71/2" track pieces
Illustration by Kellie Jaeger
by Pike Farr
A
operators could
never live without the opportunities
that many switches on a layout can
provide. But there are those who, above
all else, simply prefer to keep their trains
running free of sidings and such.
In my tinkering with various track
plans – no two are ever the same – I
came up with this switch-less O gauge
design. It’s perfect for the eternal train
runner who doesn’t want to touch a
thing (other than the transformer) to
control a train.
LOT OF MODEL TRAIN
As you’d expect in a switch-less plan,
there are many loops (all using O-31
curves) on which to run trains. But the
three loops are, in reality, a continuous
run of track. The key is two 45-degree
crossings, both strategically placed to
allow the outer loop to become the
inner loop more quickly than you can
say “switch track.”
The spiraling plan requires minor
modification of the crossings. You have
to move the pins so that all of them are
on the same end – an easy task.
Less easy, though typical in layout
building, is the track-cutting needed to
make everything fit properly. I had to
shorten a total of six pieces of straight
track. One 31⁄2-inch piece and one 71⁄2inch piece are required per loop to
make the track lie straight. Of course,
your lengths may vary slightly, depending on how tightly you press your track
sections together.
As drawn, this is not a compact track
plan. It measures about 8 by 13 feet.
That leaves loads of room to landscape
and accessorize your layout.
Without switches to get in the way, my
postwar freight train sees plenty of
action as it races around all three loops,
all without me lifting a finger to throw a
single switch. T
From
train set
to layout
This 4 by 8 track
plan is the next step
for your O-27 set
by John Long
I
DREAMED UP the shortline Indianapolis & Hartford City Railroad while doing a little train
watching on a drive between
these two Indiana cities.
In condensing my ideas onto a
common sheet of plywood, I
ended up with a slot car-like plan
that calls to mind another form of
motorized action associated with
Indianapolis.
The Indy & Hartford is
designed as a Lionel O-27 starter
set expansion layout that fits on a
4 by 8 sheet of plywood. It offers
interesting mainline and switching operation, with mostly inexpensive and easy-to-find
track and accessories.
Mainline running
keeps your eyes and
throttle hand busy
as you wind around
the layout. However,
it’s the uncoupling
tracks and related spurs
that keep you thinking. I’ve
placed the uncouplers for realistic
switching operations. Uncouplers
UC1 and UC2 allow you to break
up the train on the main line so
you can back cars into the spur
tracks and uncouple them at
uncouplers UC3 and UC4.
Using an Atlas no. 205 connector and insulating pins, I designed
1
A
A
11 PLACES
A
B
C
B
C
2
2
SW
A
11
3 1/2"
2 3/4"
8'-0"
D
C
DOWN
E
D
U
7
F
SPU
1
R2
2"
1/
A
8A
E
A
F1
1
11 PLACES
UC
4
5
6
G
2"
1/
ELEVATED
SECTION
4'-0"
7
4
2"
A
13
U
11
C
F
F6
3
3 1/2"
H
6
HARTFORD CITY
3
A
4
A
2
SP
11
F4
8 PLACES
8B
U
R
1
J
F5
7
G I
K
INDIANAPOLIS
SW1
5
H
I
10
P
A
9
U
7"
3 1/2"
J
TRANSFORMER
FURNISHED
WITH TRAINSET
K
UC1
5"
F2
12
I N D I A N A P O L I S
4 1/2"
INSULATED STRAIGHT SECTION
F3
A N D
H A R T F O R D
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
CONTROLLERS
FURNISHED WITH
ACCESSORIES
C I T Y
R A I L R O A D
SCALE: 3/4"=1'-0"
ACCESSORY LIST
TRACK LIST
LIONEL
PART NO
QTY
1
1
GRADUATED TRESTLE SET (22 PIECES)
6-12754
1
RIGHT-HAND 027 REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH
6-65122
2
1
ELEVATED TRESTLE SET (10 PIECES)
6-12755
1
LEFT-HAND 027 REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH
6-65121
32
027 STRAIGHT TRACK SECTION
INCLUDES QUANTITY FOR FITTER SECTIONS
6-65038
3
4
1
1 PAIR
GIRDER BRIDGE
6-12730
ROCK PIERS
6-12744
VEHICLE GRADE CROSSING
6-12839
6
1 PAIR
ILLUMINATED BUMPERS
6-12715
7
1 SET
CLASSIC BILLBOARDS (3 PIECES)
6-14121
5
8A,B
1
DESCRIPTION
LIONEL
PART NO
ITEM
1
FREIGHT ACCESSORY PACK
(A) FREIGHT STATION
(B) WATCHMAN SHANTY
6-11975
9
1
36 WATT ACCESSORY TRANSFORMER
6-32923
10
1
ILLUMINATED STATION PLATFORM
6-14096
11
1 SET
GLOBE STREET LAMPS (3 PIECES)
6-12926
12
1
AUTO CROSSING GATE
6-12714
13
1
TRIPLE ACTION MAGNETIC GANTRY CRANE
6-14134
L E G E N D
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
027 INSULATED STRAIGHT TRACK SECTION
6-12841
20
027 CURVE TRACK SECTION
6-65033
1
1/2 027 CURVE TRACK SECTION
6-65014
4
027 REMOTE CONTROL UNCOUPLING SECTION
6-65149
6
CTC LOCK-ON
6-62900
027 INSULATING PINS
6-65041
1 DOZ
MISCELLANEOUS LIST
DESCRIPTION
QTY
70 ft
1/8 x 1/4" FOAM WEATHER STRIP
120
#4 x 1/2" ROUND HEAD WOODSCREWS - FOR TRESTLES
60
#2 x 3/4" ROUND HEAD WOODSCREWS - FOR TRACK
N O T E
INSTALL (2) 2 1/4" LONG X 1/8" X 1/4" PIECES
OF ADHESIVE WEATHER STRIP UNDER EACH TRACK TIE
TO ABSORB SOUND. (3) OF THESE PIECES SHOULD
ALSO BE INSTALLED UNDER EACH SWITCH TRACK
FX
CTC LOCKON
TRACK FEEDER CONNECTION
TRACK
ADHESIVE WEATHER
STRIP
ADHESIVE WEATHER
STRIP
INSULATING PIN
NOTE: DO NOT TIGHTEN TRACK
SCREW. THE HEAD SHOULD
BE 1/64"+ ABOVE TIE
DESIGNED BY: JOHN LONG
027 SWITCH
G E N E R A L N O T E S
MAINLINE
1) FOR CLARITY, ORIENTATION OF TRACK
AND ACCESSORIES DOES NOT
REFLECT PHYSICAL TRACK PLAN.
REFER TO GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
FOR PLACEMENT OF FEEDERS,
UNCOUPLERS, INSULATING PINS, ETC.
F1
1
UC1
F2
2
2
1
SPUR 2
SPUR 1
F3
AUTOMATIC
XING GATE
1
UC3
ELEVATED
SECTION
UC4
F6
F4
UC2
2
F5
2
1
2) RECOMMENDED WIRE GAUGES:
1
1
2
MAGNETIC
CRANE
2
18 GAUGE:
BUS WIRES, TRACK POWER,
OPERATING ACCESSORIES
20 GAUGE:
LIGHTED ACCESSORIES, SIGNALS,
UNCOUPLERS, SWITCH TRACKS
COMMON BUS
COMMON BUS
STREET
LAMPS
3) TRANSFORMERS MUST BE PHASED.
TO TEST FOR PROPER PHASING:
WITH ALL WIRES DISCONNECTED
FROM TERMINAL STRIP, PLUG IN
BOTH TRANSFORMERS AND SET
BOTH THROTTLES TO FULL.
TOUCH THE WIRES OF A TEST
LAMP TO THE OUTSIDE TERMINALS
OF THE TERMINAL STRIP. IF LAMP
LIGHTS UP BRIGHT, TRANSFORMERS
ARE NOT PHASED. REVERSE THE
TWO WIRES FROM THE ACCESSORY
TRANSFORMER AT TERMINAL STRIP
TO PHASE.
SW1
FOUR SPACE
TERMINAL STRIP
CUT FROM ITEM 2
SW2
TWO SPACE
TERMINAL STRIP
CUT FROM ITEM 2
3 PLACES
TEST
LAMP
SWITCH
TRACKS
STATION
PLATFORM
WIRE FURNISHED
BY CUSTOMER
FX
INSULATING
PIN
TRAIN
TRANSFORMER
110 VAC POWER
STRIP
2
TRACK
FEEDER
WIRE FURNISHED
WITH ACCESSORY
CONTROL RAIL
INSULATED
TRACK SECTION
QTY
DESCRIPTION
MFG
WIRE NUT
ATLAS O
1
CONNECTOR
3
1
12 POS EURO STYLE TERMINAL STRIP
3
2 PKG
18 GAUGE SOLID CORE WIRE/60ft
278-1217
4
1 PKG
20 GAUGE SOLID CORE WIRE/80ft
278-1216
6
20
LIGHT GAUGE WIRE NUTS - ORANGE
RADIO
SHACK
----
SWITCH TRACK
CONTROLLERS
P/N
1
205
274-677
UC1
UC2
UC3
UC4
TRAIN
ACCESSORY
TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER
SEE NOTE 3
SIX SPACE
TERMINAL STRIP
CUT FROM ITEM 2
CRANE
CONTROLLER
ACCESSORY BUS
UNCOUPLER
CONTROLLERS
-----
I N D I A N A P O L I S
SPUR 2
THREE SPACE
TERMINAL STRIP
CUT FROM ITEM 2
PARTS LIST
ITEM
SPUR 1
1
INSULATING PIN
COMMON
CENTER RAIL
1
SIX SPACE
TERMINAL STRIP
CUT FROM ITEM 2
ACCESSORY BUS
ACCESSORY
TRANSFORMER
COMMON
CENTER RAIL
COMMON
L E G E N D
ELEVATED
SECTION
CONTROL PANEL
COMMON BUS
LAYOUT
CONTROL PANEL
COMMON
TERMINAL
STRIP
LAYOUT
A N D
H A R T F O R D
DESIGNED BY: JOHN LONG
C I T Y
R A I L R O A D
WIRING SCHEMATIC
the wiring so you can add a separate switch engine to the layout,
which increases the operating
fun. The Atlas connector allows
you to cut power to the spurs or
elevated mainline section so you
can store or park engines.
Here’s a sample operation you
can perform. With the switch
engine stored in spur 1, break
the mainline train from the
caboose at uncoupler UC2 on
the elevated section and run the
cabooseless train down the
grade. Uncouple the mainline
engine from the remaining train
at UC1. Then pull the mainline
engine up the grade and park it
behind the caboose on the elevated section. Using the Atlas
connector you can cut power to
the elevated section, keeping the
mainline engine parked. Next,
turn on power to the spurs and
pull the switch engine out of
spur 1. Couple it to the cars at
UC1, and begin spotting cars by
backing them into the spurs and
uncoupling them at UC3 and
UC4. Once you’ve finished spotting cars, park the switch engine
in spur 1 or 2. Then turn on the
power to the elevated section and
back the mainline engine down
the grade until you couple up to
the remaining cars at uncoupler
UC1. Back the train up the grade
and couple to the caboose at
UC2. Your train is now ready for
more mainline running.
I’ve included a wiring diagram, which is more of a road
map than an instructional manual but requires minimal wiring
experience. If wiring is not your
strength, the Indy & Hartford is a
good place to start. I recommend
How To Build Your First Lionel Layout by Stanley Trzoniec (No. 107895, available from your local
hobby shop or direct from Kalmbach Books). Along with wiring,
Stan covers benchwork and
scenery in his book.
The Indy & Hartford can
serve as a fun and easy-to-build
family project. You don’t have to
buy everything at once. You can
start by constructing the main
line, then add switches, spurs,
and accessories as time and
money allow. The only expensive
accessory in my plan is the magnetic crane. I chose it because it
is one of Lionel’s most versatile
and popular accessories. It’s fun
to operate and ties this layout
together nicely.
Enjoy the ride. T